Acts 11:11

Just then three men sent to me from Caesarea stopped at the house where I was staying.

Study Bible

Right then
This phrase indicates the immediacy and divine timing of the events. In the Greek, the word used is "καὶ ἰδοὺ" (kai idou), which can be translated as "and behold" or "at that moment." This emphasizes the suddenness and the orchestrated nature of God's plan. It suggests that God's timing is perfect, and His interventions are precise, aligning with His divine purposes. This moment is a pivotal point in the narrative, highlighting the seamless transition from Peter's vision to the arrival of the men, underscoring the divine orchestration at work.

three men
The number three often holds significant symbolic meaning in the Bible, representing completeness or divine wholeness. In this context, the three men are messengers sent by Cornelius, a Gentile centurion, which is crucial for the unfolding of God's plan to extend the Gospel to the Gentiles. The presence of three men also serves as a confirmation of the vision Peter received, reinforcing the legitimacy and divine origin of the message they bring.

sent to me
The phrase "sent to me" underscores the divine initiative in the mission. The Greek word "ἀπεσταλμένοι" (apestalmenoi) is derived from "apostellō," meaning "to send forth." This is the same root used for "apostle," indicating a mission or commission. The men were not acting on their own accord but were sent by Cornelius under divine instruction, highlighting the theme of obedience to God's call and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

from Caesarea
Caesarea was a significant city in the Roman Empire, serving as a hub of political and military power. It was a predominantly Gentile city, which is crucial to the narrative as it represents the broader reach of the Gospel beyond Jewish boundaries. The mention of Caesarea sets the stage for the inclusion of Gentiles into the early Christian community, marking a pivotal shift in the early Church's mission and understanding of God's salvation plan.

stopped at the house
The act of stopping at the house signifies the intersection of divine purpose with human action. The Greek word "ἐπέστησαν" (epestēsan) implies standing by or arriving at a place. This moment of arrival is not coincidental but divinely appointed, illustrating how God orchestrates events to fulfill His purposes. The house becomes a place of divine encounter and revelation, where God's message is about to be further unveiled.

where I was staying
This phrase indicates Peter's temporary residence, emphasizing the transient nature of his mission. The Greek word "ἤμην" (ēmēn) suggests a state of being or dwelling. Peter's stay at this house is not permanent, reflecting the missionary nature of the early Church. It also highlights the openness and readiness required to respond to God's call, as Peter is about to embark on a journey that will expand the reach of the Gospel to the Gentiles. This setting becomes a launching point for a significant shift in the early Christian mission.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Peter
The apostle who is recounting his vision and the subsequent events to the believers in Jerusalem. He is a central figure in the early church and a key leader among the apostles.

2. Three Men
These men were sent by Cornelius, a Roman centurion, to find Peter. Their arrival is a pivotal moment in the account, as it leads to the inclusion of Gentiles in the early Christian community.

3. Caesarea
A significant city in the Roman Empire, located on the coast of modern-day Israel. It was an important administrative center and the home of Cornelius.

4. The House
This refers to the place where Peter was staying in Joppa, specifically at the house of Simon the tanner. This location is significant as it represents a place of hospitality and divine encounter.

5. Cornelius
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, Cornelius is the one who sent the three men. He is a God-fearing Gentile whose vision from God sets the stage for Peter's vision and the subsequent events.

Teaching Points

Divine Timing
God's timing is perfect. The arrival of the three men "right then" emphasizes that God orchestrates events in His perfect timing for His purposes.

Obedience to God's Call
Peter's willingness to go with the men from Caesarea demonstrates obedience to God's call, even when it challenges cultural norms.

Breaking Barriers
The inclusion of Gentiles into the early church highlights the breaking down of ethnic and cultural barriers, reminding us that the gospel is for all people.

Hospitality and Openness
The house where Peter was staying became a place of divine encounter. We should be open to God's work in our homes and lives.

Faith in Action
The actions of Cornelius and Peter show faith in action, as both responded to God's revelations with obedience and trust.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the arrival of the three men from Caesarea demonstrate God's perfect timing in your own life experiences?

2. In what ways can you practice obedience to God's call, even when it challenges societal or cultural norms?

3. How can the breaking down of barriers between Jews and Gentiles in Acts 11 inspire you to reach out to those who are different from you?

4. What steps can you take to make your home a place of hospitality and openness to God's work?

5. Reflect on a time when you had to put your faith into action. How did it impact your relationship with God and others?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Acts 10
This chapter provides the background to Acts 11:11, detailing Cornelius's vision and Peter's vision, which lead to the meeting between Peter and Cornelius.

Matthew 28:19-20
The Great Commission, where Jesus commands His disciples to make disciples of all nations, is connected to this event as it marks the beginning of the gospel reaching the Gentiles.

Galatians 3:28
This verse speaks to the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, which is exemplified in the events of Acts 11.